DEVELOPERS will tell English Heritage tomorrow that a 300-year-old barn in Knutsford town centre is worthless.

Hillcrest Homes plans to present the independent finding of L-P Archaeology's survey to heritage bosses and planning officers tomorrow (Thursday).

"If there was anything of interest in there then, there certainly isn't now," said development and land manager Jonathan Hill.

The company is currently seeking borough council permission to demolish the barn and other buildings behind King Street to make way for 21 apartments. Two weeks ago Knutsford area planners rejected the developers' plans for Norbury's Yard.

During their talks it was unclear whether English Heritage wanted the barn to be saved.

But Mr Hill said they had submitted their survey to Macclesfield Borough Council days before the meeting.

"We started with a blank piece of paper and sat down with the planning officers to pull this together," he said.

"We thought we would have had their support."

Planning officers and English Heritage are expected to meet the builders tomorrow (Thursday) to agree a solution. 1Traders and councillors want the area tidied up, but want a different scheme.

They are also concerned about three businesses - Cheshire Mowers, John Fletcher's and a taxi firm - that will have to move if the development is approved.

Mr Hill said the Grappenhall-based firm would now have to fight for permission to develop the land because of the council's ban on new houses.

"We are currently reviewing our position in terms of whether we appeal or go with a new application," he said.

English Heritage refused to comment until after their talks with Hillcrest Homes.

amoores@guardiangrp.co.uk